what, when and how much?

[silke]

I prefer to set up in vivariums for a more natural environment for my animals.

when can I put my snake onto a substrate more natural than papertowel? Is it an issue of size rather than age?

Should I use cypress mulch, peat moss, play sand or a combination? What is the likelihood of impaction with any of these?

How deep should I make it?

Right now I'm enquiring specifically about my corn/milk hybrid, but in the near future I also plan on another corn, a Kenyan sand boa and possibly a ball python this year.

Thanks

[Tim_Cranwill]

I'm pretty sure that sand is a no no. I've read somewhere that aquarium gavel #5 is ok though. Peat moss would likely retain too much moisture. I'm not too sure about cyprss mulch, but I know aspen shavings are ok to use.

Good luck and make sure you post some pics of whatever you decide to go with.

[silke]

I will be getting a digicam for Xmas so LOOK OUT then!

[Matt_K]

i know many people that swear by aspen, and others that dont like it. Personally i use Aspen and Cypress Mulch, but soon just aspen. However for my Kenyans i use Beta Chip. The one thing to worry about with any of them is, if you plan on feeding in the enclosure, there's always the chance of your animal swalling some of the substrate. I have not had any problems as of yet (knock on wood). Personally i would recommend Aspen. It's very cheap (Wal-Mart) it has a nice look to it, and for your corn especially, he/she will burrow in it and feel very secure. Hope this was some help.

[Jeff_Favelle]

Well, it really depends on the snake, but if you're talking about a Kenyan Sand boa, you'd be silly to put that thing on anything other than silica sand.

[Youkai]

Why is that? I've read that dispite their name, they actually don't inhabit overly sandy areas. Because of that, subtrates that allow them to burrow, and to hold those burrows, are good choices. Like aspen...